Sylvinho ruled out of Barca's final two games

MADRID, Spain (AP) - FC Barcelona defender Sylvinho will miss the final two games of the season due to a strained right knee ligament.

Sylvinho was injured during Barcelona's humiliating 4-1 loss to league champion Real Madrid on Wednesday. He appeared as a substitute at the start of the second half but was forced off 14 minutes later.

The Brazilian, who is expected to be sidelined for four weeks, will miss Barcelona's last home game of the season against Mallorca and the team's final match at relegated Murcia the following weekend.

Barcelona responded to the defeat at Madrid by announcing on Thursday that coach Frank Rijkaard will be fired at the end of the season. His replacement will be reserve team coach Pep Guardiola.

The Catalans trail Madrid by 17 points in third place and is guaranteed its worst finish in five years.